Scene one 1. What impression of Polonius do you get after hearing his instructions to Reynaldo? 2. Explain why Ophelia is in a state of agitation when she comes in. 3. Why do you think Hamlet behaved as Ophella describes? 4. Ophelia obeys Polonius' Instructions not to see Hamlet. What does this reveal about her character?

Certainly! Let's delve into each of your questions regarding Scene One, which appears to involve key interactions between Polonius, Ophelia, and Hamlet in **Shakespeare's _Hamlet_**. --- ### 1. **What impression of Polonius do you get after hearing his instructions to Reynaldo?** Polonius is portrayed as **intrusive**, **manipulative**, and **overbearing** through his instructions to Reynaldo. In **Act II, Scene I**, Polonius sends Reynaldo to Paris with the task of subtly spying on his son Laertes. He advises Reynaldo to **plant rumors** about Laertes’ behavior to gauge the reactions of others, thereby indirectly scrutinizing his son's conduct: - **Intrusive Nature:** Polonius wants to control and monitor every aspect of Laertes' life, indicating a lack of trust and excessive involvement. - **Manipulative Tactics:** By instructing Reynaldo to spread potentially false information, Polonius demonstrates a willingness to manipulate others to obtain information. - **Overbearing Authority:** His detailed and authoritarian instructions reveal his dominant personality and desire to maintain strict control over his family's reputation and actions. Overall, Polonius comes across as a **micromanaging parent** who prioritizes appearance and control over trust and open communication. --- ### 2. **Explain why Ophelia is in a state of agitation when she comes in.** Ophelia's agitation stems from her encounter with Hamlet, which has left her **confused, distressed, and fearful**. In **Act II, Scene I**, she describes to Polonius and the King how Hamlet behaved erratically: - **Emotional Turmoil:** Hamlet's uncharacteristic behavior, including his disheveled appearance and incoherent speech, overwhelms Ophelia emotionally. - **Fear for Hamlet’s Well-Being:** Witnessing Hamlet's strange demeanor leads her to worry about his mental state and possible motives. - **Conflicting Loyalties:** Ophelia is torn between her duty to her father, Polonius, and her feelings for Hamlet, causing internal conflict and anxiety. - **Uncertainty and Uncertainty about Hamlet’s Intentions:** She’s unsure whether Hamlet's actions indicate genuine madness, grief over his father's death, or a rejection of her affections. These factors combine to make Ophelia highly agitated, reflecting her vulnerability and the complex pressures she faces from both her family and her relationship with Hamlet. --- ### 3. **Why do you think Hamlet behaved as Ophelia describes?** Hamlet’s erratic behavior, as described by Ophelia, can be interpreted through several lenses: - **Feigning Madness:** Hamlet decides to put on an "antic disposition" to conceal his true intentions of seeking revenge against King Claudius. This pretense allows him to observe others and gather information without raising suspicion. > *"I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw."* > — **Hamlet, Act II, Scene II** - **Emotional Distress:** Hamlet is grappling with intense emotions stemming from his father's death and his mother's quick remarriage to Claudius. This turmoil contributes to his unstable behavior. - **Strategic Isolation:** By behaving unpredictably, Hamlet isolates himself from others, making it easier to execute his plans without interference or alliances forming against him. - **Manipulation of Perception:** Hamlet understands the power of appearances and uses his madness to mask his strategic thinking, keeping his enemies uncertain and off-balance. Overall, Hamlet's behavior serves multiple purposes in his quest for truth and revenge, blending genuine anguish with calculated deceit. --- ### 4. **Ophelia obeys Polonius' instructions not to see Hamlet. What does this reveal about her character?** Ophelia's compliance with Polonius' directive to cease contact with Hamlet highlights several facets of her character: - **Obedient and Dutiful:** Ophelia shows a strong sense of loyalty to her father, prioritizing his commands over her personal desires or emotions. This obedience underscores her submissive nature within her family structure. - **Conflict Between Love and Duty:** Her willingness to follow Polonius' orders indicates the internal struggle between her love for Hamlet and her duty to her father, ultimately choosing duty. - **Lack of Agency:** Ophelia's actions reflect the limited autonomy available to her as a woman in the societal context of the play. She often acts based on the directives of male authority figures, resigning her own will. - **Pliability and Vulnerability:** Her easy compliance suggests that Ophelia may lack the confidence or assertiveness to assert her own needs and desires, making her vulnerable to manipulation. - **Emotional Suppression:** By adhering to Polonius' instructions, Ophelia suppresses her true feelings for Hamlet, revealing her inability or reluctance to express her emotions openly. These traits collectively paint Ophelia as a character who embodies **loyalty and obedience**, yet also reflects the **limitations and pressures** placed upon her by her family and society. --- **In summary**, Scene One effectively develops Polonius as a controlling and manipulative figure, portrays Ophelia as obedient yet conflicted, and illustrates Hamlet's strategic complexity through his feigned madness. These character dynamics set the stage for the unfolding drama and underlying tensions in _Hamlet_.